Kemble Airport Open Day on Sunday 14th September will be the launch-pad for a head-spinning personal challenge taken on by the Civil Aviation Authorities very own Jason Phelan. In April 2009, Jason, of Lavant nr Chichester, will be going loopy whilst working his way through as many aerobatic sequences as possible in aid of charity. Jason is hoping to raise a total of £5,000 for the aviation charity, fly2help, who are based at Kemble Airport. fly2help is an exciting charity that lifts people’s horizons via the medium of flight, working with individuals, groups and like-minded charities to stretch physical, mental and emotional boundaries that have been set by a life trauma or tragedy. Aiming to inspire imagination, determination, self-esteem and confidence in their clients, fly2help is committed to supporting the terminally ill, chronically sick, bereaved and those who simply need a ‘life boost’. This can include those who have suffered extreme neglect and abuse, and those who face exclusion from society on a regular basis as a result of mental ill-health, sickness, disability, injury or poverty.

“fly2help’s work, along with the very nature of flying, involves huge costs, ranging from the fuel expenditure all the way through to the aircraft themselves; therefore, it really is only through the generous donations and support of others like Jason, that we can fund our ambitious aims and share so many blue skies, adventures and smiles with those who need them most” says Mandy of fly2help.

Jason first found out about fly2help when he met Mandy at Goodwood Aero Club earlier this year; “Mandy is the reason I have (madly!) challenged myself to do this. Mandy’s story inspired me to help them support those less fortunate than myself so that they too can experience the exhilaration and excitement of flight…and here I am…” smiled Jason nervously.

Jason’s grand challenge is to hold onto his stomach whilst experiencing as many aerobatic routines, in as many varied aircraft, from as many airfields as possible, all over one weekend. During this challenge each aerobatic manoeuvre will be counted to have a grand total by type and amount performed i.e. Loops 25, Rolls 32 etc, whilst crossing the country to as many airfields that the challenge can be flown from.

The planned Challenge takes place from 5pm on Friday 24th April 2009 to Dusk on 26th April 2009.

CALLING ALL SUPPORTERS: - Jason is seeking aerobatic flight donations, transit support (by road or air) to the next airfield and fuel sponsorship to ensure this challenge happens. Should you wish to support Jason in his challenge and help him reach this target on behalf of the charity, please do contact Jason Phelan on 07821 339180 or visit his fundraising webpage at www.justgiving.com/jasonphelan.

You can find out more about existing sponsors, support and challenge progress
at http://fly2help-aerobaticchallengeweekend.blogspot.com

To find our more about the charity, please check out www.fly2help.org

 

Featuring: Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Spitfire and Hurricane, Piston Provost, Hornet Moth, Ryan PT22, Douglas DC3 Dakota along with Vintage jets from the 1950’s including Hunters, Jet Provosts, Gnat & Vampire, and a host of other vintage aircraft.

Kemble Airport will be open again over the weekend of the 13th & 14th September for its annual Open Day to commemorate Battle of Britain Day. Kemble Open Day will try to recreate the atmosphere of the old RAF “At Home” Days that were common on most service stations up until the 1970’s.

There will be a small afternoon flying display of vintage aeroplanes on each day starting at 2.00pm with the highlight being a display on the Sunday from the Spitfire and Hurricane from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and a visit from the Red Arrows.

Pleasure flying will be available courtesy of Air Atlantique from Coventry who will bring along a De Havilland Dove vintage piston engined aircraft from their collection of 1950’s transport aircraft to take you flying.

You will get the chance to visit all the flying organisations based at Kemble, including The Flying Club, Cotswold Helicopters, Fly2Help, Ultimate High, the Britannia and Buccaneer Preservation Societies, Kemble Flying Club and of course Delta Jets, and their outstanding collection of privately owned vintage jets. Refreshments will be available and the popular AV8 restaurant will be open.

The RAF Benevolent Fund and Fly2Help, our two favourite charities, will be involved with a charity auction taking place on Saturday evening at AV8 to raise funds for these two charities.

Guided flightline tours of the aircraft park will be available both days for a small fee.

A welcome addition to this years Open Day will be the attraction of aircraft that usually attend the Great Vintage Flying Weekend. Kemble Airport has secured this events future and teamed up with them to invite their pilots to visit Kemble over the open day weekend. If all goes according to plan with the weather we should see a wonderful collection of vintage piston engine aircraft join us and to this end we have now included entry on Saturday 13th.

Advance tickets at £8 per person - on sale NOW at the tourist information offices in Cirencester, Chippenham, Stroud, Swindon & Tetbury. Or email [email protected] for a ticket application from.

Aircraft wishing to fly in must book a slot via http://www.ourkemble.co.uk/openday08booking

 

Source: www.fly2help.org
For further information about fly2help.org, click here